At the next board of trusttes meeting on Next Meeting January 14, 2008 the board is expected to consider an amendment which provides further protection to the residents of Villa Park.
The ordinace which is being considered would provide that should be Board of Trustees decide to implement any new tax upon the citizens of Villa Park, then:
- The board must explain the tax and what the anticipated revenue will be used for;
- A time period (as yet undetermined) shall be given for the residents to consider the proposed tax measure;
- The residents will be given an opportunity to circulate a petition opposing the proposed tax;
- If enough signatures are obtained opposing the proposed tax then the ordinance may not be enacted unless a public referendum is taken and the measure is approved by the voters.
What this ordinance would do is give the residents of Villa Park a Safety Net against new taxes that they may consider inappropriate. It gives the residents an opportunity to stand up and say no, and requires the board of trustees to comply with the wishes of the residents. Downers Grove has a very similar ordinance in effect and it appears to have served it’s residents very well.
I had a chance to video tape the "Coffee with the Board" meeting on January 8, 2008 and here is a portion of that meeting where Trustees Hegland and Cullerton talk about how they feel about this ordinance and Taxes in General.
An official copy of the proposed ordinance should be available on the Villa Park Website within the next day or two. (www.invillapark.com)
I urge you to contact your Trustees and/or Village Manager and ask questions about the Home Rule Referendum. Come to one of the upcoming meetings (meeting schedule is posted on the top rght of this page) or contact the Board members directly and share your questions and concerns.
Vote YES to the Home Rule Referendum on Feburary 5th!
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